A TRAFFIC report has exposed a disturbing new shift in the illegal trade of African rhino horn. Highly adaptive, transnational criminal networks operating in Southern Africa have begun processing rhino horn locally to evade detection by enforcement agencies and supply ready-made products to seemingly insatiable consumers in China and Vietnam.

The critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros formerly ranged across Southeast Asia. Hunting and habitat loss have made it one of the rarest large mammals and the species faces extinction despite decades of conservation efforts. 

The National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking establishes guiding principles and strategic priorities for US efforts to stem illegal trade in wildlife.